We live in an age of convenience where everything is available online and within reach of our finger tips. Just as the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) help in saving time, by helping you avoid long queues at the bank. Similarly, if this proposal is accepted then the ATM machines will provide you with medicines thereby reducing the rush at medical stores.

The proposal is being currently being debated in the BMC. The corporator was inspired by the idea which was implemented by Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi, where this has been well received by the patients.

While speaking to My Medical Mantra, Rukhsana Nizam Siddique, Malad West corporator, said, “The Delhi government had gone ahead with this proposal and installed ATM machines to dispense medicines in government run hospitals. This has made it easier for patients to get medicines. This scheme has greatly benefited the patients. Due to this, the rush at medical stores has become less.”

She added, “I feel that we can emulate this in civic-run hospitals. We were considering this idea and have now sent this proposal to the BMC. It hasn’t been finalised yet, as talks are still on-going. This can be carried forward only if the proposal is accepted. ”

Usually doctors write a prescription for the patients and hand it over to their relatives. The relatives go to medical stores to purchase the medicines but have to deal with a long line and wait their turn.

Even the medical store staff is understaffed due to shortage of workers. At times, something as simple as this task can take 2-3 hours. This is a major inconvenience; if this machine is installed then it can save a lot of time.

This ATM will be like a regular ATM machine but it will dispense medicine instead of cash. Doctors will provide patients with a barcode, which will function as a pin code. After reading the barcode the machine will dispense medicine as per the prescription and patient’s requirement.